Everything seems to be smart these days from speakers, switches, plugs and more.  So why not ceiling fans? A ceiling fan might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to the smart home, but there are perks to an automated fan. Adding voice controls, schedules and even IFTTT recipes to a ceiling fan creates a more convenient smart home and a more comfortable living environment.



The Bond($100) device is the flagship product for its parent company, Olibra. The Bond smartens ceiling fans by acquiring the signal from the device's original infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF)

The Bond works with Amazon Alexa devices and Google so you can ask your voice assistant of choice to control your ceiling fan. The Bond app is available for iOS and Android devices, but the Bond itself doesn't work with HomeKit or Siri. In the future, they're looking to make it work for Windows AC's, Garage Doors and Motorized shades.

Kristen Meyer has created an aesthetically minimal and artistic view of fruits, crackers, and other food precisely arranged into beautiful patterns. Not only does it look great but it looks good enough to eat as well.  She did a great job of tricking the eye and providing patterns that are pleasing to the eye.

I'm a sucker for radio's and nostalgic looks as well as updated type versions. The Tivoli Model One Bluetooth Radio ($179) keeps the understated retro looks of Henry Kloss's design and its world-class FM and AM analog tuning but adds the ability to stream music wirelessly from your phone. The compact cabinet and single speaker setup continue to provide surprisingly rich sound, and there's still an auxiliary input on the back for some of the old school aux users. It also comes in 6 different variant colors to choose from.

Width: 8.375" / Height: 4.50" / Depth: 5.25" / Weight: 4.10 lbs.

This wireless charging station is crafted from pebble-grain Italian leather, Courant's CATCH:3 Charging Station ($175) will keep your most important device juiced up while keeping the rest of your stuff organized. Its 3-coil, Qi-compatible platform supports fast charging of both iPhone and Android devices, powered by an included nylon USB-C cable that connects discreetly in the back. A recessed, bowl-like area sits alongside, holding your watch, wallet, keys, and any other essentials you'd like to keep handy. A weighted matte aluminum alloy base keeps it from sliding around, and an additional USB-A output lets you charge a second device if desired.



Specifications on Courant CATCH:3 

• Width: 11.0" / Depth: 8.0" / Height: 0.625"
• 3-Coil single-device charging / USB-C input / 5W, 7.5W, 10W fast wireless charging output / Additional USB A output
• Certifications: Qi, CE, FCC, ROHS
• Included in the box: 1.2-meter nylon USB-C charging cable, power adapter (USA)
• Countries of Usage: Universal with USB Cable, USA-only with an outlet plug

It looks like Royole has beaten the Korean giants Samsung and LG with the announcement of the world's first folding smartphone.  They call it the FlexPai ($1318.00), it has a 7.8-inch display and a footprint that's roughly half that. It's powered by the yet-unannounced Qualcomm Snapdragon 8150 processor, has 16-megapixel wide-angle and 20-megapixel telephoto cameras in its sizable bezel, and runs Water OS on top of Android 9 Pie. Available for order now, with deliveries beginning in December.  Check out more info on Royole.

Welcome to the new Playlists on The Collective Loop. The Collective Series 004!  Fall is in the air so I thought I would slow it down and put the feeling of fall in the heart. New music by MO, Gryffin and Half Moon Run.

If you want to check out any of the other older Playlists then click on TCL Playlists in the menu.


Cover art by: Damion S. 

Tracklist

TCL-Collective Series 004 from The Collective Loop on 8tracks Radio.

The Google Home Hub ($149) which is powered by Google Assistant with its smallish countertop appliance has a 7-inch display with a speaker as its base. Its speaker sound is to be on par with the Google Home. It performs the usual tasks, like setting timers and answering general questions, can stream media from YouTube, Spotify, and Pandora, amongst others, and is a perfect digital frame for Google Photos with its new ambient light technology. It also gives you an overview of any compatible smart devices you have in your home. Perhaps most impressive? It lacks a camera, so there's no worry of it spying on you, and a Mute button in the back completely shuts off the mics, further ensuring your privacy. If you buy a Google Home Hub you also get 6 months free of Youtube Premium and Youtube Music.

It's been nearly 25 years since Sony introduced the original PlayStation. The PlayStation Classic($100), like Nintendo's NES and SNES Classics, lets you replay select retro titles on a nostalgia-creating box. Its case is modeled closely to the original disc-based console, yet it's roughly 45% smaller and connects to your TV via HDMI. Two controllers are included, as are 20 pre-loaded titles, including Tekken 3, Ridge Racer Type 4, and Final Fantasy VII. In stores December 3, the 24th anniversary of the console's launch in Japan.







Source: PlayStation Blog

These stunning looking Koto Cabins bring a piece of Scandinavia to your neck of the woods. Named after the Finnish word for "cozy at home," the sleek, sculpted dwellings range in different sizes from 161 to 430-square-feet making them ideal for backyard studios or rural retreats. I know that I want one. Each one is clad in Siberian larch that can be charred upon request. Interiors follow the Nordic aesthetic with pale wood floors and white walls washed in natural light. Concealed storage and furniture help create a minimalist atmosphere. Underfloor heating, double glazed windows, and covered terraces come standard while customizations like wood stoves, saunas, and bespoke furniture are optional add-ons. They come in different sizes from large all the way down to kids size. Check out more on Koto's website.






Photos: Joe Laverty / Koto